On the side of the labour were the Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, Oladipo Johnson; the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ade Adesanmi; and state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Odunayo Adesoye.

A copy of the memorandum of understanding (above) made available to pressmen indicated that the parties agreed that the state government would within seven days conclude its request with commercial banks to restructure personal loans granted public servants with a view to giving them relief from loan repayment.

Barely a day after his retirement as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has been declared wanted by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Vanguard gathered that the leadership of the IPOB, on Thursday, said it has directed all its members worldwide to closely monitor the movements and whereabouts of Arase, in order to have him arrested and arraigned at the International Criminal Court (ICC) as soon as an international bench warrant is issued for his arrest.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Dr. Clifford Iroegbu, the IPOB stressed that the rationale behind its 24-hour surveillance on Arase was due to his alleged connection to the extra-judicial killings of over 1,000 pro-Biafra agitators between July, 2015 and May 30, 2016.

The statement read: “it is very important to keep a record of his movements so that when the ICC finally issues the long-awaited international warrant order for his arrest, it will be easy to locate, apprehend, handcuff and fly him to the Hague for prosecution at the ICC”.

“If anyone happens to see him fleeing the country, please make calls to alert IPOB officials. For those who do not know the atrocious crimes committed by him (Arase), we have posted two of his pictures and the pictures of some of the victims he shot dead because we believe that pictures speak more than a thousand words.”

Asawana Deadly Force: New Militant Group Emerges, Demands Sovereign State

Attempts by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to pacify the resurgent militancy and bring succor to the crisis ravaged oil rich Niger Delta region may have hit a huge brick wall as a new militant group, Asawana Deadly Force of Niger Delta (ADFND) emerged, on Thursday.

This is even as the militant group threatened to cripple the oil industry across the nine Niger Delta states unless the Federal Government grants them, “Niger Delta Republic in the next couple of days.”

The group made it clear in a strong worded statement by their leader, Commander Olomubini Kakarakokoro, a.k.a No Mercy, that their motive was not money or the measly stipend awarded by the Federal Government.

The statement read: “Except our demand for Niger Delta Republic is granted, without further notice to the Federal Government, we shall proceed to bomb Bonga field flow station, Asaba- Onistha Bridge, Third Mainland Bridge and other major bridges in the Southtern part of the country, just for a start.

“The Federal Government should as a matter of urgency, withdraw all the military check points from the riverside areas of the Niger Delta, else we shall proceed to match against any baby military formation in the region without further notice.

“We are most dreaded, deadly and dangerous group in Niger Delta. Our team is comprised of specialists in different fields of war, and is poised to win the struggle for a Niger Delta State. Our struggle is not for monetary benefit or the so-called monthly N65,000 amnesty stipend. It is for the liberation and the development of the Niger Delta region.

“We therefore, warn every other group or persons as regards the fake dialogue process embarked upon by the Federal Government to know that they are not doing that for us. We are taking over from our brothers, the Niger Delta Avengers.

“As we speak all preparations and plans are on ground to strike and bring down the crude oil production to 0%, irrespective of the of the military presence in the region. The Federal Government will hear from us.”

President Barack Obama is a huge basketball fan who roots for his hometown team Chicago Bulls and he doesn’t want to just be a fan anymore, he wants to own a team.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest, said via ESPN news services, Wednesday that the president, well known for being a big fan of Chicago sports teams, has “discussed” being part of an ownership group for an NBA franchise.

Earnest added that Obama would pursue the opportunity “potentially … under the right circumstances.”

The movie buff whose favorite series include Game of Thrones first made his interest public during an interview with Bill Simmons to do a Q&A for GQ Magazine last year.

Barack Obama wants his own team

The interview which covered a wide range of topics, from politics, to family, his smoking habits, favorite television shows, and sports led to POTUS admitting he doesn’t JUST want to be a well-known basketball junkie.

When Simmons asked the President of the United States if he ever wants to own an NBA team. The president’s reply was emphatic.

Bill Simmons : Would you ever want to be part of the ownership for an NBA team?

Barack Obama : Absolutely.

Bill Simmons : Would it have to be the Bulls, or would it have to be somebody else?

Barack Obama : Well, you know, I know [Jerry] Reinsdorf (Owner of Chicago Red Bulls) pretty good-he’s not giving that thing up anytime soon. But I have fantasized about being able to put together a team and how much fun that would be. I think it’d be terrific.

The Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, has given his opinion on the negative consequences of Britain’s decision to leave the European Union (EU) on Nigeria.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, the professor of international affairs, said that the negative impact of Britain’s exit from the union would be bilaterally and multilaterally.

According to him, it is at the level of multilateral configuration that Nigeria may be slightly affected.

He said: “Britain is a member of the EU and Nigeria is a member of Commonwealth and in this case, Britain is both an active member of the EU and Commonwealth.

“Nigeria has been benefitting from the free trade tariff access of the British to the EU; now with the Brexit (Britain Exit), that one (free trade tariff access) may become a little bit difficult for Nigeria.”

Akinterinwa said that Nigeria’s economic relationship with the EU might also be affected with the development, explaining that it would jeopardise Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU.

“With the withdrawal of the British from the EU, now the EPA will no longer apply to Nigeria within the framework of Nigeria’s bilateral relationship with the British.”

“Politically, Brexit can bring about a weakened economy of Europe; it will be weakened in various respects because Britain accounts for about 15 per cent of EU’s operational budget.

“This will create more burdens for countries like France and Germany, the two main countries carrying the financial burden of other member-states.

“With that relationship with the European Union, the other members will also be weakened.

“When it comes to insolvency, the amount of money given to Nigeria either as development grant or whatsoever, cannot but be reduced. So, these are some of the implications.”

Akinterinwa added that Brexit could also affect Nigeria’s and ECOWAS’ relationship with the EU.

Lekan, who was arraigned on a one-count charge of murder had appeared before the court on May 20 and was remanded in prison custody after the case was adjourned to June 24 (today) for further hearing.

Ronke and Lekan Shonde: The sad end to once a happy family

However, at the resumed trial, the prosecutor, Insp. Chinalu Uwadione, disclosed to the Chief Magistrate, Oluwayemisi Adelaja, that he had received a copy of the legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPPs), when the case was mentioned.

The embattled Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ali Modu-Sheriff, has described the way and manner in which the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, is publicly conducting himself as ‘disgraceful’ and ‘unbecoming’.

Sheriff made the comment in reaction to Fayose’s claim that he was removed as PDP Chairman over his ambition for the 2019 presidential ticket of the PDP.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, June 23, 2016, Sheriff said:

“I am ashamed at the way and manner Fayose is conducting himself in the country. I was once a governor; so, I know that the position of governor is a very serious one that demands responsible behaviour.”

“I never told anybody I wanted to run for president and I did not promise anybody the vice presidential ticket. I have decided not to join issues with Fayose.”

“Myself and the Treasurer who is also a member of the NWC are signatories to the bank accounts of the PDP. Makarfi may also open another account in the name of his caretaker committee if he wished.”

“There is only one PDP, which is the one under my leadership. Anyone who thinks that the Makarfi, contraption can work is deceiving himself. I am the only chairman of the PDP recognised by the courts, the constitution and the Electoral Act.”

“I became chairman because the PDP chose me to lead the party. So, I won’t sit by and watch some people mess up the party. I am here to correct what had gone wrong with state congresses conducted by the party.”

He also reiterated his claim as the party’s chairman, adding that the National Working Committee (NWC) under him is in charge of the bank accounts of the PDP, not the Ahmed Makarfi-led caretaker committee.

Fayose had been instrumental to Sheriff’s emergence as the chairman of the opposition party, but the duo fell out when Sheriff was removed from office during the party’s convention on May 21, 2016.

The United Kingdom (UK) has made a highly momentous decision in history, opting to leave the European Union (EU) – Brexit – a vote that will have ramifications on all sectors of the country; plunging the nation into uncertain political, financial and social terrain, with sport too facing an unclear future.

While sport will be affected by the impact of Brexit, calculating the consequences on football, rugby, cricket, tennis among others, will basically go down to guesswork.

We take a look at some of the implications of Brexit on sport in the UK.

Football: Freedom Of Movement/Work Permits

Voting to leave the European Union could now have an impact on the freedom of movement principle that allows sportsmen and women from the EU to work in the UK without the need for a complicated work permit process.

Non-EU citizens, on the other hand, usually have to meet Home Office registration criteria. Football players in particular have to play a specific number of matches for their national sides in order to qualify for a move to the Premier League.

If this rule was also applied to players from EU countries, more than 100 Premier League players would have failed to gain a work permit. Extend this to the top two divisions in England and Scotland, and this rises to something like 400.

France star, Dimitri Payet would not have met the criteria to join West Ham with Britain outside the EU

Anthony Martial, the £38m Manchester United striker, West Ham’s Dimitri Payet and Leicester’s N’Golo Kante, all of whom are relatively new to the France side would almost certainly have been refused entry if not for EU-specific regulations.

If Britain had never been in the EU and these rules had always been in place, we would never have seen Cristiano Ronaldo or Thierry Henry come to the Premier League so young.

Football: Transfer of Young Players

In addition to this, Premier League clubs are now in danger of missing out on talented teenage players from Europe.

Article 19 of the FIFA Regulations, concerning the Status and Transfer of Players, permits the ‘transfers of minors between the age of 16 and 18 within the EU or EEA [European Economic Area].’

It means with Britain outside the EEA that leading Premier League academies such as Chelsea and Manchester City, who like to import up-and-coming players from European clubs, would find it harder to do so.

Football: A Fall In Transfer Fees

The falling value of the pound against the Euro could have a knock-on effect on transfer fees, at least in the short term.

For example, the 40m Euro offer made by West Ham for Marseille’s Michy Batshuayi has already risen from £31m last week to £34m now before of the falling pound against the Euro.

Football: Players Quotas

Brexit will pose a huge headache for certain Spanish clubs, with La Liga rules allowing a maximum of three non-EU players in their squad.

Real Madrid star, Gareth Bale is now classed as a non-EU player as La Liga clubs are allowed to field three players

At Real Madrid, with Welshman Gareth Bale now classed as a non-EU player as well as James Rodriguez of Colombia and Brazilian duo Danilo and Casemiro, they will exceed this quota.

With the Bernabeu club reportedly set to offer Bale, twice a Champions League winner during his three years there, a ‘contract for life’, one of the others will have to go.

Rugby And Cricket: Kolpak Agreement

Apart from football, we could see the end of the Cotonou Agreement and the Kolpak Ruling in 2003 that allows players from Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific Group of States (ACP) enjoy the same rights as players from the EU.

This ruling has enabled many players from South Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands have come over to the UK to play in the domestic leagues.

South African-born players such as Kevin Pietersen (left) and Andrew Strauss have played for England. Wire/Press Association Image

Some have then gone on to play for the England teams – South African-born players such as Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Strauss in cricket and Samoa-born Manu Tuilagi in rugby, for example.

Brexit will render the Kolpak agreement void in the UK, complicating the signing of such players and potentially weakening the cosmopolitan nature of the leagues.

Tennis: Wimbledon Prize Money

Wimbledon gets underway next week but Brexit is already having a significant effect on the prize money on offer to the players.

Because the culmulative £28.1m prize fund is given in sterling, this would be worth less to an overseas winner if the pound continues to fall against foreign currencies.

Both the men’s and women’s singles champions will earn £2m this year. This is an increase of 6.4 per cent on 2015, but the rise is almost certain to be negated by the falling value of the pound.

Golf: The Ryder Cup

Given the many talented golfers that come from the British Isles, will Brexit have implications for the European Ryder Cup team in the future?

The next Ryder Cup is set to take place at Hazeltine in September, but the European Tour insist there will be no change to tradition.

A spokesperson for The European Tour said: ‘The criteria for being European in Ryder Cup terms is a geographical one (ie from countries who make up the Continent of Europe) not a political or economic one (ie from countries who make up the EU). Therefore the result of the UK referendum has no bearing in Ryder Cup qualification terms.

‘In terms of the flag flown to represent the European Ryder Cup team, we consider that the blue and gold flag of Europe represents the continent of Europe and, as a broad symbol of Europe as a whole, we therefore plan to continue to use it.’

The United Kingdom (UK) has made a highly momentous decision in history, opting to leave the European Union (EU) – Brexit – a vote that will have ramifications on all sectors of the country; plunging the nation into uncertain political, financial and social terrain, with sport too facing an unclear future.

While sport will be affected by the impact of Brexit, calculating the consequences on football, rugby, cricket, tennis among others, will basically go down to guesswork.

We take a look at some of the implications of Brexit on sport in the UK.

Football: Freedom Of Movement/Work Permits

Voting to leave the European Union could now have an impact on the freedom of movement principle that allows sportsmen and women from the EU to work in the UK without the need for a complicated work permit process.

Non-EU citizens, on the other hand, usually have to meet Home Office registration criteria. Football players in particular have to play a specific number of matches for their national sides in order to qualify for a move to the Premier League.

If this rule was also applied to players from EU countries, more than 100 Premier League players would have failed to gain a work permit. Extend this to the top two divisions in England and Scotland, and this rises to something like 400.

France star, Dimitri Payet would not have met the criteria to join West Ham with Britain outside the EU

Anthony Martial, the £38m Manchester United striker, West Ham’s Dimitri Payet and Leicester’s N’Golo Kante, all of whom are relatively new to the France side would almost certainly have been refused entry if not for EU-specific regulations.

If Britain had never been in the EU and these rules had always been in place, we would never have seen Cristiano Ronaldo or Thierry Henry come to the Premier League so young.

Football: Transfer of Young Players

In addition to this, Premier League clubs are now in danger of missing out on talented teenage players from Europe.

Article 19 of the FIFA Regulations, concerning the Status and Transfer of Players, permits the ‘transfers of minors between the age of 16 and 18 within the EU or EEA [European Economic Area].’

It means with Britain outside the EEA that leading Premier League academies such as Chelsea and Manchester City, who like to import up-and-coming players from European clubs, would find it harder to do so.

Football: A Fall In Transfer Fees

The falling value of the pound against the Euro could have a knock-on effect on transfer fees, at least in the short term.

For example, the 40m Euro offer made by West Ham for Marseille’s Michy Batshuayi has already risen from £31m last week to £34m now before of the falling pound against the Euro.

Football: Players Quotas

Brexit will pose a huge headache for certain Spanish clubs, with La Liga rules allowing a maximum of three non-EU players in their squad.

Real Madrid star, Gareth Bale is now classed as a non-EU player as La Liga clubs are allowed to field three players

At Real Madrid, with Welshman Gareth Bale now classed as a non-EU player as well as James Rodriguez of Colombia and Brazilian duo Danilo and Casemiro, they will exceed this quota.

With the Bernabeu club reportedly set to offer Bale, twice a Champions League winner during his three years there, a ‘contract for life’, one of the others will have to go.

Rugby And Cricket: Kolpak Agreement

Apart from football, we could see the end of the Cotonou Agreement and the Kolpak Ruling in 2003 that allows players from Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific Group of States (ACP) enjoy the same rights as players from the EU.

This ruling has enabled many players from South Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands have come over to the UK to play in the domestic leagues.

South African-born players such as Kevin Pietersen (left) and Andrew Strauss have played for England. Wire/Press Association Image

Some have then gone on to play for the England teams – South African-born players such as Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Strauss in cricket and Samoa-born Manu Tuilagi in rugby, for example.

Brexit will render the Kolpak agreement void in the UK, complicating the signing of such players and potentially weakening the cosmopolitan nature of the leagues.

Tennis: Wimbledon Prize Money

Wimbledon gets underway next week but Brexit is already having a significant effect on the prize money on offer to the players.

Because the culmulative £28.1m prize fund is given in sterling, this would be worth less to an overseas winner if the pound continues to fall against foreign currencies.

Both the men’s and women’s singles champions will earn £2m this year. This is an increase of 6.4 per cent on 2015, but the rise is almost certain to be negated by the falling value of the pound.

Golf: The Ryder Cup

Given the many talented golfers that come from the British Isles, will Brexit have implications for the European Ryder Cup team in the future?

The next Ryder Cup is set to take place at Hazeltine in September, but the European Tour insist there will be no change to tradition.

A spokesperson for The European Tour said: ‘The criteria for being European in Ryder Cup terms is a geographical one (ie from countries who make up the Continent of Europe) not a political or economic one (ie from countries who make up the EU). Therefore the result of the UK referendum has no bearing in Ryder Cup qualification terms.

‘In terms of the flag flown to represent the European Ryder Cup team, we consider that the blue and gold flag of Europe represents the continent of Europe and, as a broad symbol of Europe as a whole, we therefore plan to continue to use it.’

Following the event of the votes to leave the European Union (EU) by the citizens of the United Kingdom (UK), which led to the resignation of its Prime Minister, David Cameron, the country’s currency, pound, fell to a 31-year low on Friday, it’s lowest since 1985.

It was gathered that the pound fell as much as 10 percent against the United States (US) dollar to touch levels last seen in 1985.

As 85.3 percent of results from the referendum trickled in, 51.6 percent, representing 14,159,480 votes showed that the UK was ready to leave, while 48.4 percent, which represents 13,268,066, voted to stay.

Reuters gathered that the decision of the UK to leave the EU project of greater unity since World War Two, may hit investment in the world’s fifth-largest economy; threaten London’s role as a global financial capital and usher in months of political uncertainty.

It was also learnt that the Pound Euro exchange rate remained around 4% lower as the European session continued on Friday and investors began to digest the repercussions of the UK’s decision to Brexit.

The United Kingdom itself could now break apart, with the leader of Scotland (which voted overwhelmingly in support of Remain) now saying a new referendum on independence from the rest of Britain was “highly likely”.

An emotional Cameron, who led the “Remain” campaign to defeat, losing the gamble he took when he called the referendum three years ago, said he would leave office by October.

“The British people have made the very clear decision to take a different path and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction,” he said in a televised address outside his residence.

“I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination,” he added, choking back tears before walking back through 10 Downing Street’s black door with his arm around his wife Samantha.

Breaking up with the EU could cost Britain access to the EU’s trade barrier-free single market and means it must seek new trade accords with countries around the world.

Mariah Carey is not so eager to settle down with fiance, James Packer as she has put the wedding on hold.

The 46-year-old who spent Father’s day with ex-husband Nick Cannon and four-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan has continued to drag her engagement even as her divorce from Cannon hasn’t been finalized yet.

A friend of Mariah’s said, “Mariah and James have not solidified anything yet because they have just been so busy. Although Mariah still wants to have an end of summer wedding in the Mediterranean, nothing has been booked solid.”

The source added, “Mariah has just not been super focused on the wedding to James like she was before, which makes her friends worry that something is up. She has not really even picked out a dress for sure yet. When she brought it up she said that she wants to have ‘like five dresses worked into the rotation!’”

Cannon filed for divorce in December 2014 after he separated from Mariah Carey in August the same year. It has also been rumored he still loves Mariah and deliberately delayed signing the divorce papers.

EricMany Records And Runtown Mend Fences

EricMany Records, is pleased to announce that all disagreements with its frontline act and superstar artist, Runtown have now been resolved. The resolution which was brokered with the assistance of the law firm of Olaniwun Ajayi LP, a foremost law firm in Africa, was conducted in the spirit of camaraderie.

Runtown’s catalogue, which includes smash hits such as Banger, Walahi, Bend Down Pause, and Domot, is testament to the magic that the EricMany-Runtown alliance is able to create; and both parties are back on course, working hard to give our amazing fans around the world more ‘Bangers!’

The duo appreciate all Runtown’s fans and well-wishers for the kind words, unwavering support and loyalty shown to them in the course of the glitches, and assure fans of exciting tracks to follow shortly. Better get ready for a more explosive Runtown!

Their special thanks also go to the law firm of Olaniwun Ajayi LP, for the expertise deployed in assisting both parties achieve this milestone.

As a leading Nigerian record label, EricMany appreciates the goodwill that artists like Runtown, in consonance with its Record label, are able to generate globally, using their talents to bridge the gap between continents; and remain committed to developing home grown talents.

This disclosure was made on Friday by the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Lucky Irabor, at a news conference in Maiduguri, the state capital.

He said: “On June 10, our troops at Logomani ambushed suspected Boko Haram terrorists following information about their movement toward Muska village in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno.”

“As a result, 10 of them were killed and two others were captured, while two civilian captives were rescued from the terrorists during the operation.”

The Commander also said that the items recovered from the Islamic extremists were six AK47 magazines, 56 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a bundle of detonating cord and a manual booklet on how to make Improvised Explosive device, IED.

Portugal head coach, Fernando Santos has stated his decisions does not revolve around captain Cristiano Ronaldo, despite setting up the team to get optimum performance from him.

Portugal are known to utilise the 4-3-3 formation, but has switched to the 4-4-2 in recent times. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani deployed as central attackers.

The Iberian nation failed to win all three of their matches, with the Real Madrid man failing to turn up in the first two outings.

However, the former Manchester United man came alive in the match against Hungary, scoring a double.

Asked if his decision to change systems was because it suits Ronaldo, Santos told L’Equipe: “It is, but not just for this. Not everything revolves around Cristiano Ronaldo, even if he is important for our team.

“Cristiano is not a winger or a striker. That’s why, in the quest for the balance that we lacked, in my opinion we can find a better compromise in a 4-4-2.

“If we put Cristiano as a striker [in a 4-3-3], it will take away some of his potential, it will reduce his qualities. This is not imaginable.

“But if he is placed on the left, you are exposed to defensive problems.

“So Cristiano is better when in a position where he can attack the defence and the goal. This is one of his characteristics, he needs space and freedom.”

Portugal qualified for the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams and will meet Croatia in Lens on Saturday.

There are indications of a palpable tension and commotion in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State as gunmen suspected to be Niger Delta militants reportedly invaded Igbolomu and Ishawo communities last night shooting sporadically.

As at press time, there is still an ongoing gun duel within the communities.

Vanguard quoted a source, who managed to escape from one of the invaded communities, as saying that the gunmen from the Niger Delta came through water channel since yesterday and started shooting sporadically.

The Nation gathered that an unidentified man was murdered in front of his house at the Imuti area while other unconfirmed reports said scores were killed.

Another source averred that there was series of gunshots all through the night and also early in the morning.

She also said the unidentified man killed during the shooting had just newly parked in some weeks ago.

“I heard series of gunshots while preparing Sari this morning. I also saw people from a nearby church through my window scampering for safety because they were doing a vigil before the chaos.”, she added.

However, there is still no official confirmation from the police command to the authenticity of the development.

Alvaro Morata has expressed gratitude to Juventus fans, for their support, after returning to Madrid, following a two-year stay at the club.

The Serie A giants were intent in holding on to the 23-year-old. But Real Madrid exercised a buy-back clause, believed to be worth over €30 million.

And the Spain international, who has scored three goals in three appearances at the Euros, posted a letter to Juve fans on his personal website.

“Hello everyone. Writing this letter isn’t easy for me,” wrote Morata, who won back-to-back domestic doubles with Juve as well as scoring in the 2015 Champions League final.

“I would like firstly to thank all the people who believed in me, who placed their faith in me and who treated me extremely well to make me happy at Juventus and in Turin.

“Thanks to president Andrea Agnelli, Pavel Nedved, John Elkan, Giuseppe Marotta, Matteo Fabris and above all to Fabio Paratici and Javier Ribalta.

“Thanks to all the people who work for this immense club that is Juventus. Workers, physiotherapists, doctors, security, chefs. In brief, thanks to all who are part of Juve.

“Thanks of course to all the Juventus fans in the world for their unconditional love and support, which was never lacking. Thanks to [Massimiliano Allegri] for believing in me and for turning me into a better footballer, to the captains who took care of me with such dedication and to my team-mates for all the incredible days I spent with them, because winning with them was spectacular.

“I remain marked by this club, its history and all of you. Wherever I go I’ll always feel like a Juventino and I’ll be able to say with pride and in a loud voice that I wore the Juventus colours and that I was one of their champions.

“Thanks once again to everyone for letting me be part of this family.”

Morata’s agent Juanma Lopez has said his client is still interesting top Premier League clubs, with Madrid rumoured to be willing to sell the 23-year-old on at a large profit.

The Algerian international, 24, has one year left on his contract and Lyon do not want him to leave for free next summer.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said: “He still hasn’t signed a contract renewal. If he does not sign it next week, we will put him in the [transfer] market.”

According to L’Equipe, Liverpool are interested in the winger, while he is also attracting attention from Middlesbrough, Celta Vigo and Valencia. Ghezzal scored eight goals and provided seven assists in 29 league appearances for Lyon in 2015/16.

Victor Wanyama has posted a heartfelt goodbye message to Southampton fans following his move to Tottenham.

Victor Wanyama who was speaking on his website, he said: “I write to you with a heavy heart to announce that I will be leaving Southampton Football Club. As you can imagine it is very emotional for me to say goodbye to the club that gave me the chance to be the first Kenyan to play in Premier League.

“Firstly, I would like to thank the most important part of every club, the fans. I want to reassure you that any “quotes” you have read about in the media before my move was announced are false. I would never disrespect you by talking to the media before I have talked to you guys.

“It took a while for me to win you all over but I can truly say that with your support and affection I have grown as a player and a person….We are nothing without you. I will never forget my time in Southampton Football Club, I will keep club forever in my heart.”

Xavi believes Conte’s Italy philosophy is a mixture of Atletico and Barcelona’s playing style.

Italy booked their spot in the knockout stage of the Euros. And will face Spain, after beating Belgium and Sweden in their first two outings.

There was an overhaul to the Azzurri squad, after securing their spot. Which resulted in a 1-0 loss to Northern Ireland.

However, the former Barca midfielder has been impressed by the Azzurri coach’s work and can see similarities with two of La Liga’s giants in their style.

“He’s applied what he did at Juventus. They defend deep, and are able to play with or without the ball,” Xavi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I believe Italy are a mix of Barcelona and Atletico. You always have your great history as well. Even if you switched the entire starting XI you still have that fight. Italy have always been dangerous.”

Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s agent has spoken out about Manchester United’s interest in his client.

Manchester United have reportedly tabled a 18million pounds bid for the player which was rejected by Borussia Dortmund. Further bids are expected but it seems the situation has stalled for the time being.

Agent Mino Raiola, who also represents Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is starting to lose patience.

“Henrikh is not the type to have conflicts, he leaves that to me. We will not give up,” Raiola told German paper Bild.

“We have both taken very different views and fight for them like lions.

“Even though it does not look like it right now, I still hope for a sensible solution.

“Such an offer to join Manchester United might only come once in a lifetime for a player and nobody can guarantee us that the door will still be open for Micki next season. Manchester are Micki’s dream club, he wants to join them by any means.”

Jamie Vardy decided to snub a move to Arsenal he was not convinced Arsenal play the right style of football to suit his game, thus is according to Sky Sports Sources

Leicester City announced on Thursday that the England forward has agreed a new four-year deal at the club, which he will sign once he is back from Euro 2016.

Arsenal triggered a release clause in Vardy’s contract earlier this month, but Arsene Wenger admitted at the weekend the transfer was dead.

Sky sources understand Jamie Vardy’s decision was based on his belief that his game would not suit Arsenal’s possession-hungry style of football having flourished under the counter-attacking style of Claudio Ranieri’s side last season.

As a result, boss Max Allegri is understood to be weighing up a summer move for either Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, Everton’s Romelu Lukaku or Marseille’s Michy Batshuayi.

However, Juventus are believe to favour a swoop for Batshuayi, with Marseille wanting to sell the player in order to cash in on the Belgian, while Alexis’ wage demands may price him out of a switch to the Gunners and Everton are believed to be determined to keep hold of Lukaku.

Romelu Lukaku has left agent Mino Raiola to sort out his future while he concentrates on delivering Euro 2016 glory for Belgium.

The striker made it clear in the spring he wants Champions League football, but the landscape has since changed at Everton with the arrival of majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and manager Ronald Koeman.

Raiola spoke encouragingly this week of the new Goodison Park “project” and suggested only Europe’s richest clubs now have the financial clout to prise Lukaku out of Merseyside.

And the 23-year-old is putting his personal career on hold while Belgium remain in the hunt for their first major trophy.

“It’s my agent who is dealing with that aspect,” Romelu Lukaku told SSN HQ. “I’m just focused on Belgium, and the most important thing is helping my team.”